November 27, 2011

Vintage Crochet Patterns

I've only recently discovered vintage crochet patterns.

I had never really looked at them before thinking they were all doilies and pillow cases, you know old lady/grandma stuff, but I was wrong!

There are a lot of great purse patterns out there that work very well for today.


Here is my first attempt. I got the pattern out of a really old book I had. I had always liked the texture or look of the stitches on the purse and intended on using it for inspiration. (I've got book cases and folders full of inspiration photos)

I used an all cotton yarn I got on clearance and never really found a use for. (Sound familiar?) It's a sugar 'n cream yarn in off white.



The crochet is done in continuous crochet where you don't stop and start each round but just keep going around and around..

It's basically you are making at large rectangle that you then fold in at the sides and then fold over at the corners.


You need to line the purse, but if using a magnetic fastener you would have to do that anyway.

I like how it came out and plan on doing more.

The only real disadvantage to vintage purse patterns that I have ran into is the lack of gauge and size of the finished item. But that can work to your advantage. Basically you just substitute any yarn you'd like to work with and then use a hook you're comfortable with and go! Yarn weight is really what your size is dependant on.

Happy Crocheting!
Donna
www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com












October 31, 2011

Now on All Free Holiday Crafts

All Free Holiday Crafts
Is this great site for everything holiday and the crafts are all free!
I don't know about you, but I love it when its free!
I just found out they have one of my crochet patterns there.
It's Peppermint Candy Ornaments.
Very fast and east project to crochet!
Check It Out!
You may find your next project there!

Super Simple Camisole Free Crochet Pattern





I just posted the pattern for this simple to make camisole!

Hope you all enjoy it!

Toy Organizer Link Fixed



Link Fixed!


August 09, 2011

Free Crochet Pattern Ice Blue Hat & Scarf

Just posted this Free Crochet Pattern:
Ice Blue Hat
&
Ice Blue Scarf
They go great with last week's
Ice Blue Purse!

If you ever have a problem with a pattern of mine or you'd like to suggest something you'd like to see in a pattern, email me!
contact@donnascrochetdesigns.com

Can't wait to hear from you!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com







August 05, 2011

Evening Star Most Popular Pattern For July!



I just found out my free crochet pattern Evening Star was one of All Free Crochet's most popular patterns!




While you're there check out the other free crochet patterns they list! It's a great site!

August 04, 2011

3 Halloween Inspired Purses Crochet Pattern by Donna's Crochet Designs



3 Halloween Inspired Purses!

Boo with Ghost made with sport weight yarn and is 8" X 8"

EEk with Spider also made with sport weight yarn and is 8" X 8"

Kitty Kat is 7" X 13" and is made with worsted weight yarn.

All 3 purses use eyelash yarn to edge them.

Instructions also include how to make each purses unique handles out of craft wire, beads, bells, etc!

Come check them out!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

August 02, 2011

Ice Blue Purse Free Crochet Pattern

This weeks free pattern is: Ice Blue Purse
It has silver flower accents and silver handles.
The flowers and handles are made from size 5 DMC Metallic thread. You can find this in the needlework isle of most craft stores. Its usually close to where the embroidery floss is kept.
Easy to work with once you get it rolled into a ball. I found if you try to work from the skein you end up with a lot of knots to un-knot!

Next week I will post the instructions on how to make a matching scarf and hat!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

July 28, 2011

What To Do?

Recently I was told that they loved my patterns but never used one because they are on many pages and could I change this.
I rely on the ad revnue generated on my free pattern site to keep it up and running.
With that said I have tried putting a pdf option on the site, but when I did my ad revnue crashed to less than 10 cents a day.
If there is another option I'd love to hear it!
Did I yank the pdfs too soon?
Donna

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

July 27, 2011

Evolution Of A Design

I'm always being asked where do I get my ideas and how to design.

Recently I was asked to make a Pansy Hot Pad crochet pattern and I thought this would be a good project to show just how my design process works.

How I went from this


To This

To This


To finally this.
The article is here.

The pattern for the finished Pansy Pot Pad is here.

Keep those hooks busy!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com














July 26, 2011

Magnet Bugs Free Crochet Pattern

Magnet Bugs Free Crochet Pattern!

This week's free pattern are these cute little bugs. They range in size from 4-3\4" for the tallest. 4" for the medium bug and 3" for that smallest bug.

The bug's heads are interchangeable!

Take the head from one bug and place it on another bug's body!

All done with the use of magnets!

Every magnet is safely sewn inside the head or body so no accidents can happen!

This is a great project to use all those odds and ends left from other projects!

Make an entire bug city!


Go crazy and have a little fun with the guys!

Just keep those hooks going!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com









July 20, 2011

New Free E-Book: Crochet Flower Rugs

New Free E-Book from Donna's Crochet Designs!

Crochet Flower Rugs!



Just posted a new free E-book!

6 crochet rug patterns (two are pictured here), each rug features a flower in its design.

Bonus tutorial on how to do the chain loop stitch needed to make Loop Flower rug.

Also a bonus pattern: Flower Bath Pillow-Pad!

You can see the patterns on the web before downloading the book which is in PDF format!

I hope you enjoy the patterns!


www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com












July 19, 2011

Free Pansy Doily Patterns

I recently asked if any one had any suggestions on what I should design next.
Truvely L. asked for a Pansy Doily.
Doilies aren't my thing, but I did a quick search and found theses.

This one is from Maggie Weldon
I guess it's apropreiate for me to find her free pattern first considering I do some design work for her.

This one is very much like Maggie's but the flowers are fuller.

Still on the traditional side, but with a center I like better than the other two is this doily.

Here is a pansy doily that is very different from the above.

Now this doily I really like. It's very different from any I've found and I really like the addition of lace around the outer edges of the pansies.

Vintage patterns have been a passion of mine of late so I just had to include an antique one from a site that has older pattern.

Like I said, I'm not very into doilies, but if you are this is a site for you. They boost 300 doily patterns! But if you are looking for a pansy doily here you'll be disappointed. The only one I found here was the second on my list. But they have enough doily patterns to keep anyone entertained for a very long time.

I hope this helps a few of you out there in need of doily patterns.

Keep Crocheting!
Donna

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

July 18, 2011

Blue Button Necklace Free Crochet Pattern

Here is one of my latest:
Blue Button Necklace.

I was playing around with some left over gold DMC and regular size 10 crochet thread. I wanted to do something that looked like a bead, but had more to it. I added the blue background and then layered all the finished "buttons" for this necklace.

What I really like about this necklace is that you don't have to purchase anything. Any size 10 thread you have on had will work, plus a crochet loop acts as the fastener so you don't need to take a trip to the craft store to get the fastener.


I love projects like this one. You can sit down with some odds and ends and create this beautiful necklace in one sitting!

I hope you enjoy it.
The pattern can be found here.

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com












July 14, 2011

Missy Kissy Slinky Stair Walking Toy


Missy Kissy: I've no real reason for naming this creation Missy Kissy. It's just that the lips are in the shape of a heart which make me think of puckering up for a kiss and with the wiggle eyes and ring on her feet...well, it just has to me a miss and not a Mr doesn't it?

Anyway, as you can see I took a jumbo plastic Slinky and crochet around it with fun fur eyelash yarn. It's not as hard as it sounds. Once you get started it goes fairly fast.

I only used one skein of yarn and then stretched it out to cover as much of the Slinky as possible and removed the remaining Slinky spring. I was able to cut it with scissors, but don't use your best pair!

Next I added felt feet, eyes and mouth and even a ring for one of her toes!

Wiggle eyes made the look complete. There is a slit from the bottom of the eyes to about the wiggle eye. When split apart it is glued to either side of a spring.

And you are done.

Best of all, if you stretched your yarn out enough and only ended up clipping off a few of the springs it will still walk down the stairs much like a Slinky of old, but funnier!

I made two, this jumbo one and a smaller one. You can find the pattern on my site along with the patterns for the felt.

Oh yea, about what I did with the left over springs.

Now you know I couldn't leave them alone, right?

I made this belt. It reminds me of a 1960's brass ring belt. I cut the rings apart so that I had continuous circles and then crochet the connectors.

Each connector was then sewn around a ring until I had enough for a belt.

I haven't had the nerve to wear it though!


www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com






























July 13, 2011

I Love Slinkies!



I Love Slinkies!

I love the way they feel in your hands.

I love the way they make noise when you let them slink (slink?) from hand to hand.

I especially love how when I was a kid they would drive my brother nuts from the noise they made.

Sure, I didn't HAVE to slink my Slinky constantly, but what else could I do? It's addicting!

At least to me anyway.

Anyone else feel that way?





April 25, 2011

Two-Sided Elephant Tote Free Crochet Pattern

This two-side (one side is pink and the other is lavender with the sides and bottom split between the two colors) Elephant tote has applique ear, eyelid complete with eyelashes, "painted" toe nails and flowers to give it this great 3-d look!

Only one skein of pink and one skein of lavender yarn is needed to make this bag!

You can find the free pattern here!

I hope you enjoy it!

If you ever have a question I am only an e-mail away at: Contact@donnascrochetdesigns.com

www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com






April 10, 2011

White Gown with Black Trim for 12" Fashion Doll Free Crochet Pattern

This free pattern was designed to fit a 12-inch fashion Bratz Doll. The gown and trim is made of size 10 crochet threads and size 7 crochet hook. You will also need a snap for the back of the dress. The gown is all white and features a train in back that is edged in black lace. Black lace also trims the front skirt as well. The pattern is free. Here is the link I'd love to see what you make! My e-mail is: contact@donnascrochetdesigns.com www.donnascrochetdesigns.com www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com www.livingplastic.com

Fun & Funky Lady Tote Bag Free Crochet Pattern

Here is one of my more quirky designs. It is a lady's head with a stripe hat (tote strap is also done in stripes) and frilly brim. She has lush eyelashes and a cute heart shaped mouth! Made entirely of worsted weight yarn she works up quickly. She's also a good way to use up some of that left over yarn you've been hanging on to for that perfect little project! The pattern is free. Link I hope you like it! www.donnascrochetdesigns.com www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com www.livingplastic.com

American Girl Doll Thread Party Dress Free Crochet Pattern

All ready for a party this American Girl Doll (or other like size doll) is dressed in her best dress. The dress is white size 10 crochet thread with scarlet thread sleeves and accents. I know what you're probably thinking: Thread! It'll take forever! No, it won't. I used a size E hook and the dress was fairly quick to make. With the pattern you get the instructions to make the dress, shoes, bows and tie trim that accents the front of the dress. Now all your doll needs is a party to attend. The pattern is free and found at my site: www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com Pattern link! I hope one and all enjoy it! I'd love to see photos of anything made from one of my patterns! My e-mail address is: contact@donnascrochetdesigns.com Can't wait to hear from you! www.donnascrochetdesigns.com www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com www.livingplastic.com


March 21, 2011

Free Crochet Pattern Pj's Bratz Fashion Doll



Here is My Latest Free Pattern:
It is a shortie pajama top & bottom combo that will fit a 12-inch fashion Bratz Doll. Also included are the instructions for her teddy bear friend!
The pattern is on my free patterns site: www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
I have over 300 free crochet patterns there!
I am tyring to place larger pictures on the site as asked for and am trying to replace the dreaded abbreviation sa with the word same!
Enjoy, Donna

March 07, 2011


This week's free pattern is a lovely gown for a Large Baby Bratz Doll. The top is boa yarn white the striped skirt uses a sport weight yarn. There is even a bow for her pet cat!

I've always loved the look of these dolls, the big heads and big eyes, plus they can stand on their own. I just never liked what the manufacturer put on them. I guess it is the old lady in me. Dolls just should be cute!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com

March 01, 2011

I love to use the stitch combination of single crochet/double crochet to get a textured stitch.

I've been told it can get confusing when using that alternating stitch in rounds and also for color changing.

As you can see the cute little PENGUINS at the top left has color changes and the sc/dc stitch combination done in rounds.


I've come up with a photo tutorial as well as one on You Tube to help better understand the technique.

If anyone is still in the dark about it just e-mail me and I'll do my best to help you figure it out!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com




February 28, 2011

Free Panties Crochet Pattern For An American Girl Size Doll


This week's free pattern is a pair of PANTIES made to fit an American Girl Doll or like sized doll.

I designed these panties to actually fit the curves of the doll and as you can see by the second picture the panties didn't exactly fit around the waist.

What to do?


Add elastic of course!

I've made a photo tutorial and a video tutorial on how to add the elastic to a finished crochet item. I hope you find them helpful.


www.donnascrochetdesigns.com
www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com
www.livingplastic.com





February 23, 2011

Hello!
Recently I've been accused of purposely scrambling my free patterns making them unreadable and thus not really free.
I find this very up-setting. I assue everyone one of you if you go to: www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com you will find completely free and readable patterns.
I've had my site checked and the only conclusion is that this person's web browser is not compatable with my site. My site works well with: Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox web browsers.
I can not guarantee all web browsere will work on my site.
I apologize to any all all this may have caused problems for.
Donna Collinsworth

February 20, 2011

Free Crochet Pattern Dres & Vest For American Girl Doll


Here is this week's free pattern:
It is a dress that features a ruffle coller and cuffs.
Dress snaps in back.
The vest has yarn threaded through the stitches and then tied into a bow.
The pattern was orginally done using Red Heart Luster Sheen yarns, but you can also work it in most sport weight yarns.

February 12, 2011


I call this Decreasing Circles Necklace and I'm sure you can guess why!
all you need is some size 10 crochet thread, size 7 hook and necklace clasp and you're in business!
Click here for the pattern!
I hope you like it!
Keep those crochet hooks busy!


February 11, 2011

How To Make Raised Stitches In Crochet





Here is a link to the tutorial on how to make the raised stitches to make this heart sample.

This raised stitch heart tote is a free pattern found here.
It began life as a heart place mat, but I decided it looked too pretty to stay inside the house and I turned it into a tote by adding a bottom and handle. It still make a lovely place mat!


This is a detail photo of a baby afghan I used the stitched on.

This is a 12 month size baby dress with the raised stitches.
I'm beginning to think I need to go beyond a heart when designing. I did a word baby afghan once that was love, hugs, kisses--I'll have to find the photo for that one. I believe that design was sold to a magazine.